Ghost of the Abyss

Chapter 6 - A Tender Moment

 "Are you ready for another two days up the mountain?"

My cooked freeze-dried beef stew sat in my bowl as I swirled the stuff around with my spoon. Our group sat in a circle as we ate our dinner near our set-up tents. We would have our mess tent, but it was down with the others. There were maybe three other groups of people camping on the Col. I took a bite of the cold stew that was once hot. "As I'll ever be," I told Craig, who was sitting next to me. Sandy stood on my left, watching everyone as they ate. "I just can't believe we're doing what we're doing and no one else knows. You don't think it's irresponsible for us to not say that we're searching for Sandy's Irvine's body, do you? I mean, I know we're only climbers, not scientists or explorers who report on everything, but still."

Craig nodded. "I admit that this was very impulsive, but I have a good feeling about this. Where is he now?"

I looked up at Sandy. "He's standing next to me, watching everyone. I think this is all very nostalgic for him."

"Sandy," Craig said and Sandy tore his gaze off of everyone. "Do you miss it? This?"

"More than I can say," Sandy replied as his gaze went back to Adam and Nathan talking across from us. I repeated what Sandy said. "It brings back so many memories of getting to know the group and being one with them, even though I was so much younger. We laughed and cried together, we became severely irritated with one another at times, but... it was wonderful. I would give anything to go back to those days and the excitement of being around people who shared my passion for this mountain, but... I suppose now it is not all that different, only my companions cannot see or hear me."

"They can through me," I reminded him, and he smirked.

"Yes, that is true."

"What did he say?" Craig asked, and I reiterated what Sandy said. Craig nodded. "I'm glad you got the chance, but I don't think we're very great company."

"Of course you are," Sandy argued. "I'm honored to be with you all."

"We're the ones who are honored to have you here, Sandy," I said. "You're famous among mountaineers, as you well-know."

"Even so. It is nice to be among friends."

I loved that he, a legend and celebrity, called us common people his friends. I grinned at that.

The wind howled and started shaking the tents around us, and the light became dim. Craig stood up. "Well, I'm gonna hit the hay. I'll see you all in the morning." He paused. "Well, you know what I mean," he added to Sandy.

Adam, Nathan, Sandy and I said goodnight to Craig, and I started putting away our little Sterno stove. "I'm heading to bed, too, guys," I said to the three men, and Adam and Nathan said their goodnights.

"Goodnight, Cass," Sandy said. "And thank you again."

I walked on to my tent and he followed. We stopped in front of the tent door. "You're welcome, Sandy. Just think, in less than two days, your body will finally be found."

"I know. It is unbelievable."

"It really is. This is going to change history. Of course, we know that you didn't summit the mountain, but others can find that out from the camera that is still with you."

"Yes, it is in my front right pocket. George wanted me to take pictures of everything that I could, but to save that last bit of film for the summit. Of course, that never happened. All that will be seen on the camera is snow, glaciers, George walking ahead of me, and other photographs such as that."

"But that's still something, that is, if the film can still be developed after sitting there on the mountain for nearly a hundred years."

"For the sake of those who try, I hope so."